2023 Spring Faculty Award Recipients

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Thursday, April 27 the University of Oklahoma held its annual Faculty Award Ceremony to honor faculty who demonstrate excellence in their careers. Two OU College of Dentistry faculty members received awards: Sharukh Khajotia, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., associate dean for research and innovation and Farah Masood, D.D.S., M.S., division head of oral radiology.  

Dr. Khajotia was awarded the David L. Boren Professorship, one of the University of Oklahoma's highest honors, recognizing faculty who have made truly exceptional contributions to the mission of a public research university. Dr. Khajotia has consistently demonstrated outstanding teaching, research, creative activity, and leadership of service. The term of the David L. Professorship is continuous through retirement. 

After receiving his dental degree from the University of Bombay, India, Dr. Khajotia practiced dentistry for a couple of years before he went on to complete his Master’s degree in Dental Biomaterials at Marquette University and earned a Ph.D. degree with Distinction in Oral Biology from the Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. Khajotia joined the OU College of Dentistry as an assistant professor and chair of the department of dental materials and was appointed to be the assistant dean for research and advanced programs in 2011 before becoming the associate dean for research in 2016. He has received multiple awards during his tenure at the College of Dentistry such as the President’s Associates Presidential Professorship in 2007, the Dean’s Service Award in 1999, and the College of Dentistry’s Outstanding Professorial Achievement Award in 2012.

Dr. Masood was honored with the University Distinguished Teaching Award, which recognizes her outstanding teaching abilities and contributions to the education of our students. She is a board certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Masood began her career in dentistry in Pakistan, where she practiced general dentistry for a few years. Later she obtained a doctorate of dental surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Her post graduate training includes one year of general practice training at Punjab Medical Hospital Lahore, Pakistan and one year of general practice residency from Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. In addition, Dr. Masood completed an oral and maxillofacial radiology residency program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She also earned a Master’s degree in Oral Biology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

She joined the faculty at the OU College of Dentistry as an assistant professor and director of oral radiology in 2000. She has been serving as the division head oral radiology and is the course director for all oral radiology courses for both dental and dental hygiene students. Dr. Masood also provides research mentorship opportunities for both dental and post-graduate dental students as well as lectures in graduate courses. She participates in CBCT consulting services, too.

Dr. Masood has received several honors and awards during her time with OU, including the 2020 Regents Award for Superior Teaching from the University of Oklahoma, and multiple Outstanding Full-time Faculty awards from the College of Dentistry.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Masood and Dr. Khajotia once again for their outstanding achievements,” said Paul Mullasseril, dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “Their hard work and dedication are a true testament to their commitment to excellence.”

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COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

The OU College of Dentistry is home to the state’s only doctor of dental surgery program and baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene. More than 70 percent of the state of Oklahoma’s dentists are graduates of the OU College of Dentistry. The college provides general dental care and specialty care to Oklahomans through student, resident and faculty practice clinics. The OU College of Dentistry has established a reputation of training its students to provide the highest quality of clinical care available.